Forum’s street patrols make a difference
The fight against crime gains momentum.
BULWER Community Safety Forum is determined to keep up its fight against crime and take back the suburb. So said chairperson, Heather Rorick at the Forum’s first meeting of the year held last week.
Rorick said a lot had happened over the past year, good and bad, and urged the community to stand united and fight crime together. She said the anti-crime foot and vehicle patrols had grown over the past year, and hoped to get more patrollers on board, especially those with vehicles.
“The patrols are definitely making a difference in the community. We can’t hold the police accountable to do the job alone as crime has increased too much. The community also needs to be responsible and needs to look at solutions to crime in the area,” she said.
Rorick said the group had up to 23 patrollers and six cars on a good night and invited men and women to get involved.
“As long as you can walk you can help! Our A Team, a group of men in their 20s, has made three citizen’s arrests already and has stopped a lot of crime in progress. We don’t manhandle anyone, we only restrain criminals until the police arrive,” she said.
Stella Soccer Club has sponsored a hut which will be the group’s base and Rorick said she hoped to include counsellors in the group who would work with patrollers.
Other issues discussed at the meeting included the huge problem of noise from clubs and restaurants in Davenport Road which had become so bad that a war between owners and residents has developed.
“We need a solution to this problem, as bylaws are not being enforced. We have had many complaints, however we can only mediate,” she said.
Another problem that was causing concern was the filth in the streets and parks and illegal dumping.
“We need to educate people as to when they should put their rubbish out. People must realise they can be fined if they leave their rubbish outside when it is not collection day. I have called iTrump and a meeting will be held to create awareness programmes in the area,” she said.
If you want to get involved in patrols, contact Heather Rorick on 074 203 2792.
